You’ve got a blazing internet connection, but it might not feel like it if your devices aren’t hitting those speeds. While your internet provider is responsible for delivering fast internet to your home, your internal network determines how that speed is distributed to your devices. Let’s walk through the top ways to ensure you’re getting the most out of your connection.

1. Hardwire Devices with Ethernet Cables

Best for: Ensuring maximum speed and stability on key devices like gaming consoles, PCs, and streaming devices.

  • Why it works: Ethernet cables deliver the full 1Gbps speed directly to your device, without the interference or range issues that affect Wi-Fi.
  • What to buy: Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cables. 
  • Action: Connect devices like desktops, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly to your router for the best performance.

2. Upgrade Your Router to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E

Best for: Homes with multiple smart devices and users, and for improving speeds on wireless devices.

  • Why it works: Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are designed to handle more devices at once and provide faster speeds than older Wi-Fi standards. Wi-Fi 6E also uses the 6GHz band, which reduces interference.
  • What to buy: A Wi-Fi 6 router or Wi-Fi 6E router. Popular options include models from Netgear, TP-Link, or Asus.
  • Action: Upgrade your current router to take advantage of better wireless performance and handle high device traffic.

3. Install a Mesh Wi-Fi System for Larger Homes

Best for: Large homes, multi-story houses, or homes with thick walls where a single router doesn’t provide enough coverage.

  • Why it works: Mesh systems use multiple nodes placed throughout the home to create a unified network with strong coverage in every corner.
  • What to buy: A mesh Wi-Fi system like TP-Link, Google Nest Wi-Fi, Netgear Orbi, or Eero.
  • Action: Set up mesh nodes in areas of your home where Wi-Fi signals are weaker, ensuring seamless coverage as you move around the house.

4. Optimise Your Router Settings

Best for: Tackling interference issues, especially in apartment buildings or densely populated areas.

  • Why it works: Adjusting your router settings can reduce interference from other networks or devices, improving Wi-Fi performance.
  • What to do:
    • Change Wi-Fi channels: Use your router’s settings to switch to a less congested channel. You can use tools like Wi-Fi analyser apps to find the best one.
    • Enable QoS (Quality of Service): Set your router to prioritise certain devices or types of traffic (e.g., gaming or streaming) over others.
  • Action: Log into your router’s admin settings to adjust these options and monitor performance improvements.

5. Update Your Devices or Upgrade Their Network Adapters

Best for: Ensuring your devices can take full advantage of your fiber speeds.

  • Why it works: Older devices, like laptops, smartphones, or smart TVs, may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or gigabit speeds. Upgrading them or adding new network adapters can unlock better speeds.
  • What to buy:
    • If your devices are older, you might need a new USB Wi-Fi 6 adapter for your laptop or desktop.
    • If upgrading isn’t possible, hardwiring the device with Ethernet can bypass the Wi-Fi limitations.
  • Action: Check whether your device supports Wi-Fi 6 or higher, and if not, consider upgrading or adding a new adapter.

6. Use Wi-Fi Extenders or Boosters for Specific Areas

Best for: Smaller homes or specific rooms where Wi-Fi coverage is weak.

  • Why it works: Wi-Fi extenders or boosters can amplify the signal from your router to reach areas where coverage is lacking.
  • What to buy: A Wi-Fi extender or booster from brands like TP-Link, Netgear, or Linksys.
  • Action: Place extenders in the rooms or areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage to extend the signal and improve performance.

7. Use Powerline Adapters for Hard-to-Reach Areas

Best for: Homes where running Ethernet cables isn’t an option but Wi-Fi coverage is weak.

  • Why it works: Powerline adapters use your home’s electrical wiring to extend your internet connection to distant rooms without the need for Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables. It's slower, but is known to get the job done. 
  • What to buy: Powerline adapters like TP-Link AV2000 or Netgear Powerline 1200.
  • Action: Plug one adapter near your router and another in the room with the device you want to connect, providing a wired connection without installing cables.

8. Consult with an IT Professional for Advanced Optimisation

Best for: Advanced troubleshooting or optimising large or complex home networks.

  • Why it helps: If you’ve tried these steps but are still not getting the performance you need, an IT professional can assess your network and recommend tailored solutions.
  • What they can do:
    • Perform a detailed network audit to find any bottlenecks.
    • Suggest more advanced networking equipment like managed switches, access points, or enterprise-grade routers.
    • Help with advanced installations, such as running Ethernet cables or setting up complex mesh networks.
  • Action: Reach out to an IT expert to evaluate your current setup if DIY solutions don’t deliver the desired results.

Conclusion:

To ensure you’re getting the full speed from your fibre service, start by improving your home network. Whether you upgrade your router, hardwire critical devices, or adjust your settings, the tips in this article can help you maximise your internet performance.